Will Donovan retire?

Stories regarding Landon Donovan and Everton have almost become as traditional as the mad rush for Christmas presents at this time of year.

It all started in 2009 when Donovan made the move to Everton and played during the first couple of months of 2010, in a bid to keep up his fitness ahead of the World Cup in South Africa.

The following year a return was expected by many, but the American felt he needed time to recuperate after almost two years of non-stop football.

One year later though in January 2012 he did return once again to Everton and proved to be a popular addition to David Moyes squad once again.

This year though it's a bit different. Everton have moved on somewhat with a number of excellent signings including Kevin Mirallas who adds real pace to Everton's right flank.

We now have a number of options in Donovan's positions, do we need him this time around?

Well it would appear that Donovan himself is not really in the right frame of mind regarding a move either. The Los Angeles Galaxy striker may have scored in the MLS Final earlier this month to successfully defend the Major League Soccer title, but his future after playing 49 games in 48 weeks is now unknown.

The 30-year-old wants to take a break and will not even rule out retirement.

Speaking almost three weeks ago to the Los Angeles Times ahead of the MLS Cup Final against Houston Dynamo Donovan said: 'I'm going to take as much time as I need and decide if and when I'm ready to come back, I can't put a time frame on that. If it takes two weeks and I'm ready to go again or two months or a year or two years.

'Or never. I don't know.'

He added: 'I'm aware of what I'm feeling, what I'm going through, And if I wake up one day and I say 'you know what? I'm going to come back and play,' then I'll be here within an hour. If that doesn't happen, if I wake up and I say 'you know what? That's enough,' then I'll let the people know who need to know and I'll get on with my life.'

His current contract with the MLS runs for another season, but with his decision to take a break his whole future remains up in the air leaving the Los Angeles Galaxy the unenviable position of replacing two designated players following the departure of David Beckham.

If LA Galaxy have no idea what's next for Donovan then Everton certainly will have no clue and that's even if he was wanted.

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